Marshfield Children’s Hospital Welcomes Dolly

Friday, November 29th, 2024 -- 12:44 PM

The Child Life and Expressive Therapies team welcomed Dolly to Marshfield Children’s Hospital this Monday. Dolly is a specially educated facility dog who will assist her Child Life handler helping pediatric patients cope while at a medical appointment, procedure or during a hospital stay.

Marshfield Children’s Hospital is one of only two children’s hospitals in Wisconsin to have a facility dog.  Animal-assisted therapy can help patients feel more comfortable and less anxious.

Different than pet therapy, Dolly and Child Life are following a goal-directed program that helps patients cope, heal and achieve treatment goals. As Child Life works with patients, they will assess if a child’s care plan would benefit by assistance from Dolly.

Animal-assisted therapy is possible through funding by the Christmas in July charity. Their efforts are supporting cost of the dog, staff training, and updates to the facility. Pet Supply Plus in Marshfield is donating services for weekly grooming and bath sessions and additional in-kind donations for special events.

To support the care of Dolly, donate online at www.marshfieldclinic.org/giving, select CMNH and comment “Facility dog”.  

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.